Carnivore diet a ‘terrible idea’ (2024)

FAQs

Is a carnivore diet a bad idea? ›

In the end, our experts can't recommend the carnivore diet. “There are other significantly healthier and more balanced eating strategies that include plant-based foods, which can be used to elicit the same purported results,” Acerra says.

By skipping fruits and vegetables, people likely won't get enough fiber in their diets, which can affect gut health. They also will miss out on carotenoids and polyphenols, substances with antioxidant properties that have been linked to lower risk of chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer.

Unfortunately, it can introduce new problems over time. Depending on your individual biology, a sustained low-carb plan like the carnivore diet might not work for you. You'll know this is true if you can't get a good night's sleep while you're limiting carbs.

In the carnivore diet, fats become a primary source of energy. If you're not accustomed to a high-fat diet, this sudden change can result in feelings of nausea or even vomiting. This happens because your gallbladder and pancreas, responsible for producing bile and enzymes to digest fats, need to ramp up their activity.

Enter the carnivore diet: a meat-lover's meal plan that embraces all and only animal products. Unlike other high-protein, low-carb diets, zero carbs are allowed. Dietitians and medical experts say the fad is restrictive and dangerous – but supporters are relentless in their enthusiasm toward the approach.

There is strong evidence that consuming: red meat INCREASES the risk of colorectal cancer. processed meat INCREASES the risk of colorectal cancer. Cantonese-style salted fish INCREASES the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer.

Eating lots of meat can cause serious digestive issues, and eating lots of saturated fats, which are plentiful in the Carnivore diet, can elevate LDL cholesterol (the bad kind!) and increase risk of heart disease.

Do the carnivore diet and carbohydrates mix well? Digestion problems can arise if you eat carbohydrates on the carnivore diet. This can result from a spike in blood sugar, which can cause heartburn, bloating, or nausea, affecting how food is digested.

The Carnivore Diet and Bad Breath

Individuals following the carnivore diet may notice an onset of bad breath as a side effect. This largely protein-based diet can result in specific challenges to oral health, but there are strategies to manage and potentially prevent this condition.

Remember, the carnivore diet is not a quick fix but a lifestyle change. It may take several weeks or even months for your body to fully adapt and for you to start seeing the carnivore diet before and after results you desire. So, keep in mind that patience and consistency are key.

What is the success rate for the carnivore diet? ›

Harvard Carnivore Study

93% improved or resolved obesity and excess weight. 93% improved hypertension. 98% improved conditions related to diabetes.

While one person may be able to sustain a carnivore diet for months, or even years, without any health complications, that's certainly not going to be the case for everyone.

Yes, you can drink coffee on a carnivore diet. Despite its plant origin, many followers of the carnivore diet still consume coffee, considering caffeine's stimulating properties. However, caution must be taken as excessive intake of caffeine may add stress to the body's metabolism and disrupt sleep patterns.

Eating a low carbohydrate diet, such as the carnivore diet, requires the body to break down glycogen stored in the muscles and liver. Glycogen attaches to water, which the body then expels through the urine. This could lead to dehydration and a lack of water for forming stools.

Fans of a 'carnivore diet' might be a little disappointed. Not much – at least in the short term. In a 1928 study, two 'normal' men ate only meat for one year, under the supervision of medical researchers in New York. At the end of the year the men showed “no specific physical changes in any system of the body”.

Critics of the Carnivore Diet point out potential health risks due to the high saturated fat intake, which can lead to an increased risk of fatty liver disease and elevated levels of LDL cholesterol.

Joe Rogan's daily intake, while on the Carnivore Diet, primarily consisted of meat. He often mentioned consuming elk, bison, and other game meats, along with more traditional meats like beef. Organ meats, particularly liver, were also a part of his diet.

The Keto diet is better for gut health, brain health, and overall mood. The Carnivore diet, on the other hand, is not good for gut health, brain health, and mood. The one area where the Carnivore diet outperforms the Keto diet is weight loss. The Carnivore diet is very effective in terms of weight loss.